GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Australia’s property industry has topped the global sustainability charts in the 2024 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) results.

Oceania, driven by Australia and New Zealand, ranked first in both investment and development benchmarks. Property Council Chief Mike Zorbas praised the eco-friendly leadership, as Aussie companies set a high bar in the journey to net zero.

"In 2024, Australian property leaders continue to create world leading sustainable buildings and portfolios. These gold medal results should be a source of national pride.”

Today’s read time: 3 minutes, 52 seconds.

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

FEATURE

What is the new Great Australian Dream?

Australians are rewriting the “Great Australian Dream,” prioritising lifestyle over traditional goals like career growth and home size, with 41% planning moves next year to improve quality of life.

According to the 2024 Muval Index, buyers now want homes that support flexible, sustainable living, often choosing smaller, eco-friendly properties with work-from-home spaces and proximity to amenities.

Brisbane’s popularity is soaring as people seek lifestyle-centred locations, a trend buyer’s agents Claire Corby and Cate Bakos are seeing first-hand as clients shift towards adaptable, low-maintenance homes.

Lifestyle is the new motivation

Lifestyle now ranks higher than traditional goals like career growth and property size. “Living in a post-pandemic world, buyers are seeking a lifestyle from their homes that they didn’t before,” says Claire Corby, emphasising the demand for work-from-home spaces, outdoor cabanas, and multipurpose areas.

Sustainable living is in demand

As cost-of-living pressures persist, sustainable features have become a top priority for many buyers looking for homes that offer savings over time.

“There’s a clear trend towards homes with high energy efficiency ratings, double-glazed windows, and solar panels,” Claire explains, noting that buyers are now willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly upgrades.

Brisbane’s growing appeal

Brisbane has gained momentum as a relocation destination, offering a mix of lifestyle benefits and affordability. According to Cate Bakos, the city’s popularity comes down to its “good value for money, pleasant climate, and proximity to other eastern cities.”

The Muval Index reports Brisbane has overtaken Perth, driven by strong interstate migration and rising demand in high-amenity areas near the coast and city centre.

Read more about the report findings here

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed the four main sales modes: The Beggar, The Persuader, The Befriender, and The Selector.

TOGETHER WITH VIEW.COM.AU

How I Sold It: renovations and digital marketing equal winning formula

When Candice Cattell listed a penthouse on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, she saw its potential despite a neighbouring building with direct views into the property.

Following a cosmetic refresh, Candice tapped into Stone Digital's comprehensive online campaign to highlight the apartment's unique appeal. The Stone Digital campaign, powered by view.resi’s Acquire platform, included targeted ads and high-engagement media, reaching a broad audience with over 81,000 impressions.

This digital push attracted interest from across Sydney, and the property sold pre-auction for $5.625 million. Candice’s success highlights the impact of a consistent digital presence, which not only drives sales but also strengthens her brand as an agent.

Read more about View and Candice’s sales techniques here

SMART SNIPPETS

Home prices hit record high
Australian home prices have surged to new heights in October, marking the 22nd consecutive month of growth. Melbourne led the charge with a 0.49% jump, while Perth dominates annual growth at 20.58%. Despite affordability challenges and high interest rates, July's tax cuts have boosted borrowing capacity and motivated buyers to overcome obstacles.

HomeBuilder program added fuel to fire
The pandemic-era HomeBuilder scheme that handed out $25,000 grants has come under fire from a COVID-19 inquiry. The $2.6 billion program, which approved over 137,000 grants, ended up fuelling inflation and contributing to housing shortages by creating excess demand when supply chains were already strained.

Why are TikTokers buying Japan’s empty homes?
As social media influencers go viral showcasing Japan’s cheap, abandoned akiyas, millions are captivated by the idea of owning a slice of Japanese countryside at a bargain price. But behind the videos lies a more complicated reality.

SOUND WAVES

What is the best time to boost your marketing campaign?

Timing is crucial for real estate lead generation, and while spring is a peak season, in today’s curated listed @realty explores why school holidays and Christmas offer unique advantages.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from @realty here* 

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

A US$20 million Greenwich Village townhouse with an 83-foot rock climbing wall? Just when we thought we’d seen it all. Perfect for the buyer who wants to “reach new heights” in their own living room … only in New York.🗽🧗🏼‍♀️

Seen an Agent On Social we should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Giverny Pringle, Charmagne Arrubio and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

If you see a * beside a story, it’s a sponsored post, including the 'Together With' section. To enquire about advertising with us, visit eliteagent.com/advertise.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.